The Poly(lactic acid) is a biodegradable polymer from renewable sources with potential to replace non-biodegradable polymers derived from petroleum. However its use is restricted in certain applications due to its high brittleness and rigidity. In order to make the PLA more tenacious, the terpolymer (ethylene/methyl acrylate/glycidyl methacrylate) - EMA-GMA was added to PLA in different concentrations. The addition of EMA-GMA to PLA turned the blends more stable during processing. The FTIR data confirmed the chemical reaction between groups in PLA and the EMA-GMA. A three fold increase was observed in the impact strength compared to pure PLA.
Poly(lactic acid); toughening; terpolymer
